As the campaign against single use plastics hots up, what are your alternatives for greener magazine distribution?  In a series of articles we will provide you with the information you need to make a fully informed decision – but be warned there is no easy answer right now.

 

Plastic pollution in the public consciousness

In one of the most powerful moments of television aired from 2017’s most watched series, Blue Planet II, Sir David Attenborough described the “heart-breaking” moment an albatross feeds its chick plastic instead of fish. This highlighted the terrible effect that plastic is having on the world's oceans. If people continue to dispose of plastic at the same rate as today, then by 2050 the ocean's plastic could weigh more than the fish.

 

A landslide of momentum against single use plastics

With the public awareness heightened many organisations, including the BBC, have declared their intention by setting the date they’ll be ‘single use plastic free’. As a consequence of this awareness, many publishers want to understand just what their alternatives are. So here are some facts on the options if you publish a magazine and want to distribute it in the most environmentally friendly packaging possible.

 

There are five core options for distributing your title by mail:

The challenge is complex and the right solution will depend on whether you wish to reduce your use of plastic, reduce waste going to landfill, reduce litter or maintain your current costs. There is no one solution that ticks all these boxes but we hope the following overview will be helpful.

 

1 – Conventional polythene (LDPE)

Recycling Qualities: Recyclable but most councils do not collect polythene wrap

Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely

Cost Comparison: The most cost effective option

More about Conventional polythene in magazine distribution

 

2 – Oxodegradeable film (breaks down in presence of light and oxygen)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives

Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely due to lack of light, but will break down in the general environment

Cost Comparison: Slightly higher than conventional polythene

More about Oxodegradeable film in magazine distribution

 

3 – Biodegradable film (degrades in landfill)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade in landfill but has a relatively short shelf-life

Cost Comparison: Approx 300% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Biodegradable film in magazine distribution

 

4 – Compostable film (manufactured from potato starch)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill but has a very short shelf-life

Cost Comparison: Approx 580% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Compostable film in magazine distribution

 

5 – Paper envelopes (manufactured from recycled paper or sustainable sources)

Recycling Qualities: Recyclable

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill (excluding window if applicable)

Cost Comparison: Approx 530% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Paper envelopes in magazine distribution

 

It’s possible to reduce the environmental footprint of mailings, but…

The ‘greener’ options tend to be more expensive – which is why conventional polythene has become the de facto standard in the mailing industry. The shorter the shelf-life, typically the longer the manufacturers lead time and many have a minimum order of two tonnes. Spatial Global seeks to be environmentally conscious while giving our customers well-balanced advice on the pros and cons of the various options.

 

Improving our overall environmental performance

Spatial Global has taken positive steps to ensure our environmental impact is reduced wherever practically possible. This includes the installation of low energy lighting and more energy-efficient machines to reduce our carbon footprint. Our waste is recycled wherever possible and we are constantly reviewing our environmental policy to ensure we continually strive to achieve ever-improved standards.

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